Drains are relied on heavily in homes whether that be to start your day with a hot shower, use your kitchen sink to wash plates or have a relaxing evening bath.
Some items may appear flushable down drains, but they can lead to blocked pipes.
Even something as small as a cotton bud is enough to send your plumbing into chaos.
If you notice your shower is taking longer to drain or there are issues with your sinks, there are steps you can take before calling out a plumber.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page, Jessica Vause asked for advice after everything she tried hadn’t worked.
She said: “Hi all, my bath drain is blocked and filled with water as it wouldn’t drain after having a bath last night.
“I’ve been drying to unblock it for a couple of days. I’ve used baking soda and white vinegar, Mr Muscle drain unblocker, hair removal cream and a plunger and nothing is working. Can anyone recommend anything else before we have to get a plumber out?”
While some group members recommended other store-bought chemical drain unblockers, others recommended a totally chemical-free alternative – a drain snake.
Anita Simmonds said: “I bought a drain snake from Amazon and it cleared everything straight away.”
Marsha Smedley wrote: “My plumber doesn’t recommend any of those drain cleaners, just an old-fashioned drain snake.”
Mike Todd commented: “Whenever the drain in my shower gets a bit slow, that’s what I use. The amount of hair that comes up is disgusting.
Steven Reader wrote: “I’ve had to deal with many blocked drains as a plumber and I can assure you the white vinegar and baking soda can’t unblock drains, particularly in bathrooms.
“You need to get yourself a drain snake. It’s far superior and works instantly. No waiting around. It will remove all the gunk, grease and hair from drains.
“Then you can just follow up with pouring hot water down the drain. Make sure it’s not boiling though.”
Yvonne Fisher said: “I actually use a drain snake, you would be surprised how well it works.”
Drain snakes can be picked up on Amazon for £8.89, from B&Q for £12.99, or at Wickes for £13.50.
